Crane Operation Safety Guidelines

Giants on the construction site, cranes are incredibly useful and potentially dangerous. All crane operations should follow one simple rule: safety first. And while there will always be a certain number of potential hazards surrounding the use of a crane, there are several steps you can take before and during operations to minimize the risks to yourself and those around you.

MN Truck & Crane Service, in Calgary, has long been a source of reliability in the equipment rental field, especially for cranes. Here are some safety tips and guidelines to make sure your next lift is a safe one.

Before Hoisting a Load

There are a number of things to check and double-check before you even begin lifting. Make sure that the load does not contain any loose parts or packing. Everything should be stowed securely, or removed form the load. Make sure there’s no slack in the slings or cables, and that the hook is properly and securely loaded. At all times, make sure you’re not trying to lift a heavier load than the crane’s maximum loadout rating. Finally, check the levels of your oil, gas and other fluids.

During the Operation

At this most crucial part of the operation, there are several things a crane operator needs to keep on top of. Here’s a list of some key elements to ensuring a safe, successful lift.

Upon arriving on site, check in with the prime contractor. Identify any site specific hazards and determine the locations of any other important items including muster points, first aid stations, restricted areas, powerlines, underground utilities, recent excavations etc.

After considering the scope of the task, determine an appropriate location to position the crane. Use danger tape, traffic cones, barricades and flagmen to protect the working range of the crane and prevent unauthorized access to the work zone.

Calculate or determine actual load weights and working radii, use shipping labels, bills of lading or common calculation formulas to determine weights, and use the crane’s load chart to ensure the job can be completed safely.

Host a pre-job hazard assessment to identify any job-specific hazards and delegate roles to the workers involved in the task. Identify the signalman(men), rigger, flagmen and make sure everyone understands both the hazards and their role in the task.

If situations change during the job and it affects the initial plan, stop. Regroup and reassess the situation. Re-delegate roles, or adjust the lift plan so work can continue safely.

Keep Doing the Heavy Lifting

Crane operations are a vital part of most constructions sites, and it is important to understand well how to ensure they proceed safely and effectively. MN Truck and Crane Service, in Calgary, is your trusted name when it comes to reliability and professionalism. Our certified employees are ready to handle all your crane and equipment rentals needs. Visit our website, or give us a call, and we’ll help your operations reach new heights.